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Rocksucker (Chorisochismus dentex) — Gobiesocidae

Rocksucker

Chorisochismus dentex
Family: Gobiesocidae

The Rocksucker (Chorisochismus dentex) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Namibia, South Africa

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Description

The rocksucker is the largest clingfish (Gobiesocidae), from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a flattened, scaleless, green-brown body with a large head, strong teeth and a powerful ventral sucking disc with which it clings firmly to rocks, even in the surf. As a bottom-dweller it lives in the tidal zone and shallow rocky water and crushes snails, barnacles and other molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rocksucker?

The Rocksucker has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly green.

Where does the Rocksucker live?

The Rocksucker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Namibia, South Africa

How big does the Rocksucker get?

The Rocksucker grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Rocksucker dangerous to humans?

No, the Rocksucker is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Rocksucker sourced
Scientific name
Chorisochismus dentex
Family
Gobiesocidae
Other names
Rocksucker verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Namibia, South Africa sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Gobiesocidae

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